Served as screener (January-May - read through and rank juvenile books submitted that meet qualifications for this award, submitting rankings to chair) and judge (May-July - read through, discuss, and rank finalist juvenile books) for this year's Ohioana Awards. Winners are announced in August, with the award to be presented in October.

What does a consultant do? Whatever comes her way and is appealing. Whether it is talking about new books or old favorites, using books in the classroom, inservice training, writing curriculum, reviewing books, staffing your exhibit booth at a conference, leading a program about books, storytelling (both performing and coaching), going through your "stuff"... If it deals with children's literature, I'm in. I am limited by what we dream up together.

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Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) spotlights Ohio authors and promotes reading across Ohio. This group is tasked with compiling a shortlist of 10-20 titles in 5 categories (young children, older children, teens, and adults), then recruits Ohio librarians, teachers, and others who are knowledgeable about books and readers to serve as reader/electors. Each CTRO reader/elector considers books in one or two age/readership groups. Each then reviews the lists and chooses the 5 books (per age/readership… Show more Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) spotlights Ohio authors and promotes reading across Ohio. This group is tasked with compiling a shortlist of 10-20 titles in 5 categories (young children, older children, teens, and adults), then recruits Ohio librarians, teachers, and others who are knowledgeable about books and readers to serve as reader/electors. Each CTRO reader/elector considers books in one or two age/readership groups. Each then reviews the lists and chooses the 5 books (per age/readership group) he/she finds most suitable for CTRO. The top vote-getters become the CTRO titles for the next program cycle. Additionally, this group selects one book for young readers annually as a "Floyd's Pick", in honor of the late Floyd Dickman: https://library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/library-programs-development/ctro/floyds-pick/ Show less

I serve as a liaison between the Board of the Association for Library Service to Children and the 7 committees and 2 discussion groups in PG VII - Professional Development. In this role, I support the committee chairs and help find answers to their questions.

Each committee member will listen to audiobooks for children and teens that are published between November 1, 2020-October 31, 2021. After much discussion, the committee will select the winner of this award and potential honor audio(s). Results will be announced on Monday, January 23, 2022 at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting. Eligibility criteria can be found here: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/odysseyaward/odysseyawardeligibilitycriteria/odysseycriteria

To facilitate access to special collections, to encourage the creation of new collections, and to strengthen existing collections. To explore and suggest ways in which special collections can be used locally, nationally, and internationally with children, families, and the people who serve them.To administer annually the Bechtel fellowship to up to three librarians to read and study at the Baldwin Library of the George A. Smathers libraries, University of Florida, for a period of at least one… Show more To facilitate access to special collections, to encourage the creation of new collections, and to strengthen existing collections. To explore and suggest ways in which special collections can be used locally, nationally, and internationally with children, families, and the people who serve them.To administer annually the Bechtel fellowship to up to three librarians to read and study at the Baldwin Library of the George A. Smathers libraries, University of Florida, for a period of at least one month. Show less

We serve the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Assocation, as consultants and to promote books and other resources through recommendations, compilation of lists, and related services for mass media, individuals, and institutions/organizations involved in the production of programs, films, and other materials/services for children. Requests should be submitted to the ALSC Office.

The Committee selected "The Crossover"​ by Kwame Alexander, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"​ from books published in 2014. "El Deafo"​ by Cece Bell (Harry N. Abrams) and "Brown Girl Dreaming"​ by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books) were named as Honor Books.<​http://www.ala.org/alsc/aboutalsc/coms/pg5awards/als-awnaodd?year=2014>I gave the bulk of the books sent to me by publishers to… Show more The Committee selected "The Crossover"​ by Kwame Alexander, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children"​ from books published in 2014. "El Deafo"​ by Cece Bell (Harry N. Abrams) and "Brown Girl Dreaming"​ by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books) were named as Honor Books.<​http://www.ala.org/alsc/aboutalsc/coms/pg5awards/als-awnaodd?year=2014>I gave the bulk of the books sent to me by publishers to Fairborn City Schools. Additionally, I gave a set of the Winner and Honor Books to Warner Middle School Library in honor of the 2014-15 8th grade G&T students as a thank you for participating in a Mock Newbery with me. Show less

This group serves as an advisory board for ALA's @ your library campaign:Additionally, we report directly to ALA's Public Awareness Committee:

Each member of this committee forms a liaison relationship with 2-3 national organizations. We deliver information about ALSC's initiatives, services and goals to update their membership; encourage partnerships be formed at a local level; and reciprocate by sharing their activities with our membership:

Each committee member listened to hundreds of hours of audiobooks for children through teenagers. After much discussion, we selected "The True Meaning of Smekday" as the 4th winner (2011) of this award with 4 honor audios. For a list of past winners:

As Chair of ALSC's Kids! @ your library campaign, I worked with consultants and task force/committee members to put together resources for libraries to use to promote themselves to boys and girls in grades K-8. The free downloadable toolkit we created is available on the ALSC website: Ideas on how to use items from the toolkit can be found on the ALSC wiki we… Show more As Chair of ALSC's Kids! @ your library campaign, I worked with consultants and task force/committee members to put together resources for libraries to use to promote themselves to boys and girls in grades K-8. The free downloadable toolkit we created is available on the ALSC website: Ideas on how to use items from the toolkit can be found on the ALSC wiki we developed:Under my leadership, the task force organized and implemented two programs at ALA Conferences: the 2006 kick off program in New Orleans which featured Bill Harley singing his song written just for the campaign "At Your Library" and the 2008 program in Anaheim which featured child marketing expert Gene del Vecchio talking about marketing tips for libraries. We organized the 2010 program: Avi and Author's Reader's Theater (A.R.T.) to perform in Washington DC at the ALA Conference. My ultimate goal, for the task force to became an ALSC standing committee, which was accomplished in 2007 when the ALSC Board approved the establishment of the ALSC Public Awareness Committee -- at a time when the ALSC Board was sunsetting committees. Show less

The committee was tasked to develop a campaign to entice children to come to/use their library. It was aligned with ALA’s National @your library campaign.

Coordinated efforts of this ALSC committee. Under my leadership, we published the bibliography "The American Experience: Strength from Diversity" found online at: ; initiated the list of Newbery & Caldecott Medals winners translated into other languages, hosted on ALSC's website: ; and organized the 2003 ALA Conference program… Show more Coordinated efforts of this ALSC committee. Under my leadership, we published the bibliography "The American Experience: Strength from Diversity" found online at: ; initiated the list of Newbery & Caldecott Medals winners translated into other languages, hosted on ALSC's website: ; and organized the 2003 ALA Conference program "By the Red Maple: Canadian Children's Publishing": Show less

We developed booklists and other materials for inclusion in magazines, upon request.

Evaluated library collections of 11 schools (K-12) in a local school system that does not currently have certified school librarians on site or a system District Media Coordinator. Going book by book, I looked at each item, ensuring it was age-appropriate for the school building, repairing many that were damaged, and recommending either withdrawal (or transfer to other schools) books that either did not support the curriculum (like gift books), presented inaccurate information (outdated), or… Show more Evaluated library collections of 11 schools (K-12) in a local school system that does not currently have certified school librarians on site or a system District Media Coordinator. Going book by book, I looked at each item, ensuring it was age-appropriate for the school building, repairing many that were damaged, and recommending either withdrawal (or transfer to other schools) books that either did not support the curriculum (like gift books), presented inaccurate information (outdated), or were inappropriate for the grades in the building. Additionally, I reviewed and approved book orders during the year. For several schools, it was a "right-sizing" of their collections as they were jam-packed on the shelves. For others, it was suggesting the library rearrange books on shelves or re-cataloging titles to increase circulation in under-utilized areas. Show less

I attend 3-4 book-related conferences each year, working in the exhibit booth booktalking titles from the 25-30 clients we are representing at each conference. The clients and books in the booth vary, based on the conference audience. Example conferences include the American Library Association, National Council of Teachers of English, National Association of the Education of the Young Child, and the Texas Library Association.

Reviewed media and books for professional journal, with a focus on its usefulness in school libraries and curriculum.

Review new children's music, published in SLJ quarterly.

Process the booking of author and illustrator visits for schools and public libraries for Lee & Low Books. Contact: https://www.leeandlow.com/educators/author-and-illustrator-visits

Manage special academic library which supports curriculum taught in the College of Education and Human Services. The ERC is comprised of 3 areas: the Instructional Media Center (IMC), the Media Production Lab (MPL), and the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center (DHRC). Materials found in the IMC include print and non-print, ranging on topics such as grade school school curriculum and leadership, organizational leadership, counseling, rehab services and American Sign Language. The print and… Show more Manage special academic library which supports curriculum taught in the College of Education and Human Services. The ERC is comprised of 3 areas: the Instructional Media Center (IMC), the Media Production Lab (MPL), and the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center (DHRC). Materials found in the IMC include print and non-print, ranging on topics such as grade school school curriculum and leadership, organizational leadership, counseling, rehab services and American Sign Language. The print and non-print collection of the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center is hosted by WSU and consists of approximately 3,100 items about the Holocaust, modern genocide, and bullying for the K-12 classroom and for scholars, as well. The MPL provides an opportunity for hands-on use of machines by students, such as die-cuts, poster makers, lamination machines, podcast and interactive whiteboard technology, to create projects for class or career. Serve as Staff Advisor to the Comic Book League and Alpha Omicron Pi, 2017-date. Show less

Classes taught:--Selection of Children's Materials for School Library Media. This graduate level course combines learning the selection tools for school library media centers and gives a foundation in children's literature. Students read over 100 books in 14 weeks, writing reviews for each, creating presentations about their reading and compiling a book order for the library media center.--Selection of Young Adult Materials for School Library Media. This graduate level course focuses… Show more Classes taught:--Selection of Children's Materials for School Library Media. This graduate level course combines learning the selection tools for school library media centers and gives a foundation in children's literature. Students read over 100 books in 14 weeks, writing reviews for each, creating presentations about their reading and compiling a book order for the library media center.--Selection of Young Adult Materials for School Library Media. This graduate level course focuses on current literature for teens, with selection of these materials in mind for the school library. Work for this 14 week class will focus on learning about selection sources for teen literature, reading current titles, discussing trends, meeting local YA authors, and using YA literature in the school library media center.--Media Literacy. This graduate level course recognizes how media influences everything we do and how to intelligently respond to it: how to recognize propaganda, evaluate messages sent out by media, and how to respond. A very hands-on class, this is invaluable for teachers, librarians, and those worked with media in every way shape and form. Show less

Children's librarian at 2 of the largest branches in the system, both 1st ring suburban (though not at the same time!). Provided reader's advisory and reference service to all patrons (specialty was children's literature), fulfilled teacher requests for collections, planned and implemented children's and tween programming at the branch. Strong connections were made at schools served; classroom visits, tours of the library and group presentations to students, parents and teachers were made.… Show more Children's librarian at 2 of the largest branches in the system, both 1st ring suburban (though not at the same time!). Provided reader's advisory and reference service to all patrons (specialty was children's literature), fulfilled teacher requests for collections, planned and implemented children's and tween programming at the branch. Strong connections were made at schools served; classroom visits, tours of the library and group presentations to students, parents and teachers were made. Served on various DML committees for juvenile collection development (fiction, music, movies). Chair of DML Children's Summer Reading Programming Committee, 5 years. Show less

Children's librarian at independent, small town library. Planned and implemented programming for children from birth through high school. Selected materials for inclusion in the collection. Fund-raising, when necessary, to meet the library's budget. Strong connections made with schools where class visits and group presentations were made. Involved the library in the community through use of storytelling services offered.

Hired to restore library services in relocated building; eruption of Mt. Pinatubo destroyed previous building. Volcanic dust damaged materials. Massive weeding necessary due to termite-infested relocation site. Class visits of DoDS, UMD and CTC students, programming, displays and reference service to the area military bases returned after one month in place. Began dissolving the collection once SOFA Agreement was not renewed with the Philippine government. Communicated with librarians at… Show more Hired to restore library services in relocated building; eruption of Mt. Pinatubo destroyed previous building. Volcanic dust damaged materials. Massive weeding necessary due to termite-infested relocation site. Class visits of DoDS, UMD and CTC students, programming, displays and reference service to the area military bases returned after one month in place. Began dissolving the collection once SOFA Agreement was not renewed with the Philippine government. Communicated with librarians at military installations from Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Diego Garcia, Singapore and the USIS Library in Manila to dispose of property. Military base was closed in 1992. Show less

Initiated library outreach programming to schools, day cares, nursery schools, day home providers and after-school care sites. Booktalks, storytelling and presentations were coordinated with lone school district librarian. Schedule included visits to elementary and middle school classrooms 2 times/year and a school-wide summer reading promotional visit and visits to day cares quarterly. Storytelling programming offered in the city parks during the summer.

Children's librarian at 2 branches -- 1 small inner city, 1 large suburban (not at the same time). Planned and implemented children's programming at branch, selecting materials for inclusion in the collection. Worked closely with Branch Manager to align vision for the branch. Coordinated visit of author Marc Brown to the branch.

Managed reference department staff of 3 at Main Branch (downtown). Additionally, provided reader's advisory service. Featured on local early morning TV show to talk about books in the library. Conducted children's storytimes, coordinated appearance of author Robert Kraus, represented the library at community gatherings by offering storytelling presentations.

As a supplement, worked with slow learner and EMR students who were mainstreamed in the classroom. Emphasis was on math and reading skills. Small town, rural setting.

Managed small inner city school library, changing it from a "plug the children into headphones and let them do worksheets" media center into a school library where they could come to hear wonderful stories and learn "cool stuff". Physically rearranged layout from 4 runs of Dewey (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies) to 1 continuous run.